Hey all, let's discuss for a moment about how I navigate both my athletic and teaching careers without a set-in-stone roadmap.
No Roadmap for Training
When I'm gearing up for a race, I don't adhere to any specific training plans. It's not that I don't value them—it's just that my life doesn’t allow for such rigor. Between being an educator, a coach, a consultant, a musician, and a dad to four amazing kids, my days are jam-packed. Hence, my training is spontaneous. If I have a 30-minute window, I might jump in the pool; if I have more time, I might end up swimming for two hours. The same goes for biking and running.
The beauty of this approach is its flexibility. Instead of stressing over missed training sessions, I grab any opportunity to train that fits within my hectic schedule. For instance, my dog often decides how long we run. Sometimes it's a half-mile; other times it's a full 13 miles. And honestly, I love this "no direction" approach. It's liberating and perfectly suits the unpredictable nature of my life.
Applying the Same Philosophy in the Classroom
Believe it or not, I employ a similar approach in my classroom. With a never-ending list of educational strands to cover, teaching can become overwhelmingly structured. For instance, in 8th grade English, just analyzing a text involves multiple layers: citing textual evidence, determining themes, analyzing character relationships, and so forth. It’s easy to get bogged down by such detailed requirements.
But I choose a different path. I start each year with a promise to my students: by the year's end, they’ll be stronger readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers. That’s it. No specific learning objectives that they may or may not remember; just an absolute commitment to their personal growth. My classroom is an ever-changing adventure. We might start with one direction in mind and end up pivoting based on our mutual interests and needs. This keeps things exciting and dynamic.
Embracing Creativity and Relationships
What makes my classroom unique is its reliance on creativity and relationship building. I integrate music, video games, technology, theater, dance, and even exercise into our learning process. My students remember the lessons not for the rules of grammar I drilled into them, but for the moments that captured their imagination and fostered a sense of community. It’s the relationships we build that have a lasting impact.
In this "no direction" approach, my students and I embark on a unique journey of learning together. Our path is filled with innovation, wonder, and a shared sense of purpose. Despite—or perhaps because of—the lack of a strict directional map, this journey becomes an adventure for all of us.
The Takeaway
Whether it’s training for triathlons or molding minds in the classroom, my life thrives without a conventional roadmap. Instead of following someone else's path, I carve out my own, allowing for flexibility, creativity, and a sense of adventure in everything I do.
So, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of paths laid out for you, consider throwing out the GPS for a change. Embrace the journey without a predetermined direction. You might be surprised by the places it leads you and the wisdom you gather along the way.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Hopefully, something in my story resonates with you, and you find your own way to navigate life, be it in the classroom, on the race track, or anywhere else.
Stay inspired, Brian (Teach4Endurance LLC.)
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